United Spinal's Fifth Annual Roll on Capitol Hill to Raise Awareness of Critical Issues Impacting the Spinal Cord Injury/Disease and Veteran Communities

Roll on Capitol Hill (ROCH) is United Spinal's annual signature policy event that highlights key advocacy priorities for its membership and the broader disability community to ensure that legislators include wheelchair users and all people with disabilities in policy debates on Capitol Hill.

United Spinal Association builds on its strong advocacy work all year-round through participation in coalitions and partnerships across a broad spectrum of issues important to its 50 chapters, 200 support groups and over 1 million individuals impacted by SCI/D across the country.

"On this 70^th anniversary year, what began in 1946 as a small, determined group of World War II veterans advocating for greater civil rights and independence in New York City, has spawned the most significant grassroots policy initiative for people with disabilities in the nation," said James Weisman, United Spinal's president and CEO.

While attending United Spinal Association's 5^th Annual Roll on Capitol Hill, advocates will talk to Congress about the following:

• Ensuring access to the right medical equipment, prescription drugs, and medical supplies.
• Safeguarding the provision of home and community-based services and supports so that individuals can live and participate in their communities.
• Ensuring that policymakers understand what SCI/D is and the need for accurate incidence and prevalence data.
• Minimum standards of safety and quality for adaptive equipment at the VA.
• Funding of home modifications and adaptations for all categories of disabled veterans.
• Funding, grants and tax credits for veteran homebuyers.

On the evening of June 28th, United Spinal will host a Congressional Awards Reception to recognize members of Congress for their outstanding service to people with disabilities and veterans:

• Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) - 2016 James J. Peters Disability Rights Champion Award
• Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-NY) - VetsFirst Congressional Bronze Star Award
• Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) - Co-Recipients for 2016 Junius A. Kellogg Congressional Outstanding Leadership Award
• United Spinal will also honor a disability advocate who has shown advocacy leadership and dedication to, and success in, state and/or federal policy issue or issues impacting the SCI/D or broader disability community. This year Stephanie Woodward, Esq. will receive The 2016 Advocate of the Year Award for her leadership on the Disability Integration Act.

For more information about the public policies that United Spinal will address at Roll on Capitol Hill, click here.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization celebrating its 70th Anniversary. Formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans, United Spinal is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Experts: For information on the listed experts, click appropriate link.

Alexandra Bennewith, MPA
http://www.profnetconnect.com/Alexandra_BennewithMPA 

James Weisman
http://www.profnetconnect.com/jim_weisman

Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell
Spindell Media Relations, LLC
United Spinal Association  
(212) 580-4567  
[email protected]
Twitter @ahvispin

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SOURCE United Spinal Association

Related Links

http://www.unitedspinal.org